BELINDA'S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

This week I am headed to our office in Milan for work and then to the Italian island of Ischia for a winter escape.I try to pack light both on the plane and in my check-in luggage. I find that it's only on holidays I have time to shop so make the most of it by leaving a little space in my luggage. But here are the essentials I'll be taking with me.

Carry-on:

Chuchka Handbag

I bought this bag last year and it's been with me to Shanghai, Taipei, Paris, Milan, Hamburg and Greece and Melbourne on work trips. Despite the travel beating, it still looks new. It fits my laptop, a cosmetics bag of essentials, plus my passport, wallet and keys. The handle is comfortable and it's showing no signs of wear and tear.

Bondi Wash Hand Spray

I’ll also travel with two 50ml Hand Sprays – two because I often leave one on a restaurant table or on a plane and it’s a travel necessity. I use it for the obvious – sanitising hands - but I also use it for stain removal. When you spill something on your clothes when travelling, the best thing it to saturate the stain quickly – and having the hand spray handy is my go to. My Dad recently travelled with it and used it to grease his suitcase wheels and he also uses it as a deodorant.

Melatonin

I take melatonin to help me adjust to the new time zone - starting a day or so before I leave or when on the flight. The 1mg is enough but I've learnt there are differing qualities though - currently I am using a Wholefoods home brand one I bought in America.

Cosmetic basics

I take with me the basics in case my luggage is lost – the toiletry and makeup essentials that fit into one of our cosmetics bags (all under 100ml) along with a change of clothes and fresh undies. I’ll include a 50ml body wash which I use to wash my face and shower with if there is a stopover. The Bondi Wash Deodorant is always in this bag to keep fresh in transit.

Purifying Night Balm
I carry the Purifying Night Balm in my handbag (I designed this especially for the harshness of travel) and lather my face in it at the beginning of a long flight. I protects and keeps skin moist in the dry air conditioning on board. My skin feels silky on arrival.

Natural Perfume
I often travel with natural perfume as it comforts and grounds me during chaotic travel moments – my favourite right now is Samuel Gravan’s newest scent. It's called Woody Fig Vanilla and is warm, woody and lightly floral. We sell it in our retail stores and struggle to keep it in stock. It's a good scent for both summer and winter.

Check-in:

My friend Justine somehow manages to fly only with carry on – even to Europe for 3 week trips. I’m impressed but have never managed it myself - I'll keep trying though.

Here are some of the essentials you’ll find in my suitcase.

Toiletries

Hair and Body Natural Care Kit – I take a pack of these with me as typically hotel amenities haven’t always got the nicest of ingredients.

As part of the generation who didn’t use sunscreen growing up, I’ve just had a skin cancer cut out on my leg. I’ll be packing plenty of sunscreen (favourite right now being Airydays).

I’ll usually pack some Stay Away Spray – an essential in the warmer climates.

Practicalities

Laundry Bar – this is great for washing clothes along the way in hotel sinks.

Lightweight towel – for doing yoga on in the hotel room or swimming with

Sporting wear

I try to keep active when travelling so you'll always find gear to do that in my case.

I'll pack swimmers and goggles in case there's a chance to swim – and right now it’s the Original Sexie Rashie from Une Piece.

Leggings with pockets – so I can keep my phone and hotel key whilst jogging – always a great way to beat jetlag. Our Milan Office is near Sempione Park in Milan – one of my favourite places to jog.

Outfit basics

White shirt - this one from Witchery can travel from work to play.